Singapore Integrated Programme (SGIP) for Neurosurgery

About the Programme

Neurosurgery is an exciting frontier in Medicine exposing one to a variety of clinical conditions in patients of various ages. It is a continually evolving specialty that utilises cutting-edge technology to carry out complex surgical and treatment procedures. The field of research in Neuroscience is equally exciting with continual discoveries being made.

Neurosurgery can be physically and mentally demanding. It requires commitment and personal sacrifice but also offers substantial rewards and emotional satisfaction. Dealing with critically ill patients allows clinicians to practice the art of Medicine from every facet of patient care, which is at the heart of all we do.

The strength of the Singapore Integrated Programme (SGIP) for Neurosurgery lies in our diverse clinical material and a strong subspecialty focus. The educational programme, combined with a range of clinical, technical, didactic and scientific training, provides a well-rounded experience for each Resident. The programme also has a strong commitment to clinical care, education and research, which aims to groom the future generation of Neurosurgeons to become prominent Clinician Educators and Clinician Scientists. 

The Neurosurgery specialty treats a range of traumas, diseases and conditions of the brain, central and peripheral nervous system, as well as their supporting blood vessels and skeletal structures. The SGIP for Neurosurgery offers a six-year training programme after completion of the internship or Postgraduate Year 1 (PGY1). 

The main training centres for the programme are National Neuroscience Institute (NNI) and National University Hospital (NUH). The National Neuroscience Institute (NNI) is situated at Singapore General Hospital (SGH) and Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH).  

As of July 2020 intake, new Residents will be enrolled under the SGIP for Neurosurgery, with SingHealth as the administrative centre.

Why Choose Singapore Integrated Programme (SGIP) for Neurosurgery?

Progressive Education and Research Programme

Our educational programme combines a wide range of clinical, technical, didactic as well as scientific training modules to provide you a robust and well-rounded experience. Neurosurgical Residents who aspire to pursue a career in clinical or translational research can apply competitively to be on the Clinician Scientist (CS) Track.

You will be selected based on merit and a mentor will be assigned to guide you in the development of your research career path. Residents will be required to have an additional year of clinical training where you will be actively involved in institutional research activities, courses and complete a Masters of Clinical Investigation programme or equivalent.

Widest and Most Extensive Case-mix in Singapore

Our unique Residency programme provides rotations through different training institutions such as Singapore General Hospital (SGH), KK Women's and Children's Hospital (KKH), Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH), National University Hospital (NUH) and Ng Teng Fong General Hospital (NTFGH). Rotations through these hospitals will provide each Resident with a complete, well-rounded experience in General Neurosurgery as well as in the specific subspecialty fields such as Neuro-oncology, Neurovascular Surgery, Paediatric and Spine Surgery.

Outstanding Faculty; Dedicated Mentors

The Neurosurgery department is a close-knit group, who believes in providing a collegial and supportive learning environment. We welcome you to consider achieving your fullest potential as a medical professional by joining this unique subspecialty, which promises to offer you a challenging, rewarding and fulfilling career.

Your Career Prospects & Development

Residency training is completed only after passing the FRCS (Surgical Neurology) examinations and finishing six years of Residency training. The examinations are conducted by The Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh as part of a conjoined examination with the College of Surgeons in Hong Kong.

The title of Associate Consultant is given upon successful specialist accreditation and registration with the Specialists Accreditation Board (SAB) and the Singapore Medical Council (SMC). During the two years as an Associate Consultant, there will be opportunities for further subspecialisation in a particular field of interest in Neurosurgery.

Further fellowship training can also be carried out at an overseas centre of excellence of your choice.